Grains Start the Week Higher

Grains were higher to start the new week, shrugging off Friday’s bumper crop forecasts by USDA. Crude oil was also higher, trading briefly above $45 for the first time since Jul 21.

Friday’s crop report couldn’t have been much more bearish as both corn and soybean production forecasts came in well above analyst expectations, but traders seemed skeptical of 175 yield on US corn as prices ended up rallying on the news and continue to trade higher today. Export prices for US corn has achieved the low price medal in the world market, which should help keep export business brisk.

Saudi Arabia's main state wheat buying agency the Saudi Grains Organization (SAGO) said on Monday it has purchased 640,000 tonnes of hard wheat in a tender. A tender for for 600,000 tonnes content had closed on Friday seeking wheat with 12.5 percent protein for October and November shipment. The accepted origins in the tender were the European Union, North America, South America and Australia at the sellers' option.

NOPA July crush estimates are out later this morning. The report is expected to show a crush of 146.7 million bushels of soybeans in July. That would have been the biggest crush ever for any July. The previous record of 145.227 was set in July 2015. In June, NOPA processors crushed 145.050 million bushels of soybeans. Crush forecasts ranged from 142.643 million to 150.000 million bushels, with a median of 147.500 million bushels.

The NOPA report is scheduled for release on Monday at 11 a.m. CDT

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—Kevin McNew